A Taste Of Croatia: Must-Try Dishes When You’re In Croatia

Croatian cuisine is some of Europe’s most delicious and unique, blending together the past and present with influences from Slavic culture, Italy, Turkey, and more. A perfect combination of spices, with various delicacies from land and sea that have become a must-try around the world.

Lucky for you, you’ll get the chance to taste plenty of world famous Croatian recipes while sailing Croatia, from traditional dishes to the coastal Dalmatian fare and more.

What is Dalmatian food? This is the tastes of the Dalmatian coast and islands where Yacht Getaways sails in Croatia, which are Mediterranean dishes mainly revolving around seafood, cooked with locally made olive oils, and seasoned with rosemary and garlic.
During your week, you’ll also have the chance to try traditional Croatian dishes like stews, peka, and more meat-focused meals passed down from the regions inland.

To help you navigate through the culinary delights while on your Yacht Getaways holiday, we’ve put together a guide to the must-try Croatian foods while sailing this breathtaking country!

TRADITIONAL

Peka

Arguably the most famous dish to Croatia, Peka is cooked by a traditional method called cripnja, meaning “Under the Bell” which slow cooks meat or seafood and vegetable in a covered iron pan in the smouldering embers of an open fire.

Our vote: Grab a mixed Peka, with meat and octopus! Good for 4-6 people.

Pasticada

A savoury stew and favourite among locals, Pasticada is made with beef or wild boar that has been marinated overnight, then braised for hours in its own juices and red wine. To finish this hearty dish, the stewed meat is poured over homemade gnocchi and topped with herbs to create a delightful and filling meal.

Ćevapi

One of the most common meals enjoyed across Croatia and neighbouring countries, Ćevapi are sausages of minced lamb, beef, or pork infused with onions and spices. Typically served with ajvar, a paste made with puréed red peppers that compliment the flavours and spices of this dish perfectly.

Fuži

You’ll find this distinct tube-shaped pasta dish enjoyed by locals often at restaurants tucked away from the crowds, so you know it’s great! The pasta is usually served with meat and tomato sauces, or creamy mushroom sauces and white or black truffles with asparagus. Wander the side alleys and keep your eyes peeled for this hidden culinary gem!

Truffle Risotto

Speaking of truffles, did you know that Croatia’s Istria region has the world’s largest concentration of truffles? And better yet, dishes like the Truffle Risotto will have double the truffles and half the cost of what you’d find in Italy, and be tastier. This is a dish not to miss on your sailing holiday.

Off the Grill

Croatia is infamous for its majority meat-focused fare, but for good reason, they are experts at it. While exploring the Dalmatian islands, smoke and embers rise from sizzling grills all around, lending a charred and smokey taste to all their grilled dishes. From tuna, swordfish, octopus, lamb, and more — food off the grill are must-try in Croatia!

SEAFOOD

Black Risotto

A dish for the daring, the black risotto (or crni rižot) is one of the most unique (but delicious) meals you’ll have along the coast. The fluffy risotto is mixed with olive oil, garlic, red wine, and squid ink to give it the distinct and interesting black colour. Though it will temporarily turn your teeth black, don’t let that deter you from this incredible meal.

Brudet

Considered the “fisherman’s stew” this is classic coastal Croatian at its best. Lumps of fresh fish are stewed with tomatoes, onions, and spices and slow-cooked until the fish is melt-in-your-mouth perfect.

Buzara

Mussels in Croatia are hands-down some of the best in the world, and freshest as you sail around the regions they are gathered. Buzara are mussels cooked with wine, butter, and garlic and served with toasted bread that will leave you begging for more.

Gregada

Different from Brudet, Gregada is another fish stew but cooked with white wine, onions, garlic, capers, potatoes and salted anchovies and well known as a go-to dish around the island of Hvar.

Oysters

Just an hour north of Dubrovnik, the region around Ston is world famous for its phenomenal oysters and will be the freshest on the table out of everywhere around Europe. Douse them in lemon juice and feast away!

Grilled or Stuffed Squid

This is the ultimate must-try Croatian dish for seafood lovers. The buttery soft grilled squid is a dish you’ll never forget, brushed with olive oil and flamed with garlic and parsley with hints of smokey chargrill flavours. Our personal choice — look for the grilled squid stuffed with cheese for an out-of-this-world dinner.

Have we tantalized you with this guide to the amazing and diverse Croatian foods? What are you waiting for? Book your Yacht Getaways Croatia sailing holiday today and try them for yourself!